Homebuilders in recession-struck Bakersfield, California, have turned into landlords, renting their units while they wait for the housing market to rebound.
Developers are trying to weather the economic storm by turning their quick-profit intentions into rentable moneymakers.
"Mr. Lantz, who owns a commercial-development firm, found himself stuck with land he couldn't sell, so he made the unusual choice to build 53 homes. Instead of selling them, he's waiting out the downturn by renting them for between $1,150 and $1,350 per month.
Construction financing wasn't available–most lenders are hesitant to fund any new residential projects–so Mr. Lantz and his partners are paying about $85,000 to build each unit. Half the homes are done and construction should be finished this fall, reports trade publication builderonline.com."
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